Roger Federer made his way to Wimbledon on Tuesday and on the same day, an exclusive interview with him was published by CNN.
The Swiss Ace retired from the sport last year at the Laver Cup ending what many consider to be the most impactful tennis career of all time. Very few players reached the level Federer did and his popularity around the world is certainly something that is impossible to match.
He was present at Wimbledon on Tuesday for a special ceremony honouring him as the most successful Wimbledon player of all time. On the same day, CNN posted an exclusive interview with Federer where he talked about his career.
The retirement of Federer hit many fans hard with some players expressing regret that they never got to face him on a tennis court. Players like Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune and Carlos Alcaraz all lamented the fact that they never faced him on a tennis court, and while Federer tried, ultimately the body couldn't handle it anymore.
Funny enough, I don’t miss so much being out on court anymore. Just because I know the body couldn’t do it. So I think it’s good that I couldn’t or I can’t, which then lets me watch and follow tennis as a total fan.
Being away from the court gave Federer plenty of chances to do other things. He was in Miami for the Formula One race there earlier this year as well as in New York for the Met Gala. He was also in Africa to work with his foundation; something he plans to do more in the future. Asked what his favourite things after retirement was, Federer said private time with those closest to him.
I think planning ahead and planning quite far ahead for personal moments with my family and friends, I think that’s what I enjoy the most. Life’s honestly been good, and it came gradually, with COVID and my knee issues I didn’t play so much anymore at the end so actually, I feel like the transition was super smooth.